Stress management through Raja Yoga meditation

by Samangie WETTIMUNY

Raja Yoga which is referred to as the king among yogas is a type of meditation practised by Brahma Kumaris. It is an open-eye meditation which helps to have mastery over our minds and sense organs. Since our minds tend to get distracted easily, it is important to learn how to concentrate. It is also necessary to develop feelings and thoughts that are comfortable to us and others. For example if one gets angry, it will neither make that person nor anybody else happy. It would only cause discomfort. In order to change anger into mercy it is necessary to develop one's `inner strength' `which is of different qualities like love, peace, happiness, tolerance and patience.

If there's love, there won't be `hatred'. If we can develop' patience' then there is no need to get upset or worry over anything. When one gets angry he/she would try to justify it. Is n't it better to develop one's `inner strength', so that he/she can lead a calm and peaceful life always?

Rajayogini Dr. Nirmala Kajaria,

Spirituality is the `consciousness' which helps one to understand who he/she is - knowledge of myself and the knowledge of the Supreme Being.

Ironically people seem to be aware of almost everything (astrology, sciences etc), but not of themselves. "Who I am, where have I come from, what will become of me after death." No one seems to worry over them.

It is necessary to know that you are not just a human being. Spirituality helps us to have a different vision. It helps us develop virtues like love, kindness and compassion. It helps us to enhance the feeling of "universal brotherhood'.

"If I am spiritual the emphasis should be on moral values rather than on material wealth which is necessary, but not everything.

We cannot survive without material wealth. But we should not be fully dependant on them.

Human beings' "Mental process" can be enhanced through an accurate method of meditation. Practising meditation means empowering the soul. Then you can change yourself to the better and develop unconditional love.

"So you should develop your inner strength. If a person is sick or weak doctors would prescribe some drugs or would ask to stick to a nutritious diet. Then you will get cured. In the same way meditation helps you to develop your inner strength.

Up to 90% of illnesses in the world today have been attributed to psychosomatic causes. Factors such as stress, tension and worry can cause dysfunction of the body and mind. But when we develop meditation we automatically learn the art of keeping everything under our control.

Being a vegetarian, though not a must would be helpful to pursue with meditation. Diet definitely affects the state of mind. When studying medical sciences we normally study the effect of diet on physical body, but not the effect of diet on our minds. But ancient Indian Yogis had always emphasized on the effect of food on mind.

A vegetarian diet is always considered as one which helps us to focus on mind.

When asked whether practising meditation would be helpful to combat diseases like cancer, Dr. Nirmala said " Not necessarily that they could be cured. But at least they will be able to live longer."

At times when a person is diagnosed with cancer, doctors normally tell the patient that the time left to live is limited only to one year. But the ones who practise yoga has disapproved it. "When cancer patients practise Yoga they can live longer than their doctors predict."

Benefits

Meditation will not only help people to concentrate their minds but also helps them to get rid of bad habits such as smoking and drug addiction. Many yogis have been able to give up those habits. That would help lessen violence and crime in return.

Dr. Kajaria emphasized that it is better if everyone can engage in meditation. "It is better to go to a Meditation centre till you learn the art of Raja Yoga meditation. After that you can practise it even at home."